Review and photos by Ken Jackson– Jace Media Music
Some concerts entertain. Some inspire. A precious few leave a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to witness them. The launch of With A Little Help From My Friends at Fleet’s Harlington Theatre was one of those rare occasions that transcended music entirely, becoming a heartfelt celebration of friendship, family, community and the enduring legacy of the much-missed Matt Long.
The day began just a short walk away at The Prince Arthur, where familiar faces gathered over lunch and refreshments ahead of what promised to be a special afternoon. As the venue gradually filled, the buzz of conversation grew louder, bringing together fans, musicians and friends from across the UK and beyond. Many had travelled hundreds, even thousands, of miles to be there, united by their admiration for Matt and the impact he had made on so many lives.
Once inside The Harlington, the scale of the occasion became clear. The room was filled with old friends reconnecting and new friendships forming, all sharing a common purpose. There was an overwhelming sense of warmth and affection throughout the venue as everyone awaited the start of a tribute that would ultimately run for more than five remarkable hours.
The afternoon officially began with a heartfelt welcome from Fiona Long, joined by Matt’s father Paul at the keyboard. Fiona explained how the idea behind With A Little Help From My Friends had grown from a simple tribute into a major collaborative project featuring some of the finest musicians from around the world, all coming together to honour Matt through his music.
The first live performance came from Burning Rope, featuring former members of Catfish including Paul Long, Alex Voysey, Adam Pyke and Mitch Weaving. They immediately set an exceptionally high standard that would remain throughout the day. Their chemistry was undeniable, while Adam Pyke continued to impress not only with his accomplished bass playing but also with increasingly confident vocal harmonies alongside Paul and Alex.
Burning Rope would effectively become the house band for the entire event, seamlessly supporting artist after artist with incredible professionalism. Special credit must also go to the behind-the-scenes team, including Simon Taylor on front-of-house sound, Rupert Peters handling monitors and microphones, Sam Leese on stage management and the many unsung heroes whose work ensured everything ran flawlessly.
What followed could easily have become a simple parade of guest performers. Instead, it evolved into something far more special. Musicians flowed on and off stage in constantly changing combinations, creating the feeling of one giant musical family rather than separate acts taking individual turns.
Among the early highlights was the outstanding Thomas Hepple, whose electrifying performance showcased dazzling guitar work, energetic crowd interaction and his trademark behind-the-back playing. His effortless stage presence and phenomenal musicianship immediately won over the audience.
The combination of Nicholas Meier, Nat Martin, Dudley Ross, Greg Coulson and Will Wilde delivered another standout segment, with Coulson’s Hammond organ work providing a rich foundation for some truly inspired performances. Dudley Ross, whose involvement helped spark the entire project, played a significant role throughout the day both on stage and behind the scenes, proving instrumental to the album’s creation and the event’s success.
Katie Bradley then delivered a beautifully crafted set alongside Ross. Her soulful vocals and emotional delivery perfectly captured the spirit of the occasion, while the house band provided subtle yet powerful support.
Throughout the afternoon, musicians continually returned in different configurations, creating magical moments of spontaneity. A breathtaking rendition of Jeff Beck’s “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” demonstrated the extraordinary level of talent assembled on stage, while Hollie Rogers captivated the audience with a stripped-back acoustic performance that showcased the pure strength of her songwriting and voice.
Will Wilde once again proved why he remains one of the UK’s most exciting blues performers. His harmonica playing was nothing short of sensational, while his commanding vocals generated a tremendous response from the crowd.
As remarkable as the day had already been, two major highlights still remained.
The Zac Schulze Gang brought a surge of explosive energy to the stage. Having built a reputation as one of the hardest-working and most exciting young bands on the blues-rock circuit, they delivered another breathtaking performance. Their intensity, musicianship and sheer commitment were impossible to ignore, earning some of the loudest applause of the day.
Closing the main performances were Brave Rival, a band whose rise over recent years has been fully deserved. Their combination of exceptional songwriting, musicianship and infectious stage chemistry made them the perfect choice to bring the evening towards its conclusion. Their genuine affection for both the audience and each other shines through every performance, and this appearance was no exception.
Yet the most emotional moment was still to come.
As the evening reached its climax, every musician who had performed throughout the day returned to the stage for one enormous jam session. It was joyous, emotional and utterly unforgettable. Watching so many talented artists playing together in tribute to their friend created a moment of genuine magic. The absence of Matt Long was deeply felt, yet his presence seemed to resonate through every note.
When the final chord rang out, the audience rose as one for a standing ovation that seemed to last forever.
With A Little Help From My Friends was far more than an album launch. It was a celebration of a life that touched countless people, a showcase of extraordinary musical talent and a powerful reminder of the strength of community within the blues-rock world.
For everyone fortunate enough to be there, Sunday afternoon at The Harlington will remain a treasured memory for many years to come. Matt Long may be gone far too soon, but through his music, his family, his friends and the countless lives he touched, his legacy continues to shine brightly.
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